Motorized image rotating target apparatus for all sports

ABSTRACT

A hockey target device that incorporates the different positions a player will face in a game play situations. Said hockey target apparatus will replicate and portray five of the most common stances or positions used by a goalie. These stances include the ‘butterfly’ position, ‘left kick save’ position, ‘right kick save’ position, ‘left stack the pads’, ‘right stack the pads’, and the ‘breakaway’ stance. Each image presents a new position with new targets/holes that the shooter can shoot on. The images will attach to the goal post of a hockey net, and motor boxes will pull each new image across to the other goal post until said image locks. A timed sequence will permit each goalie position to be locked for a desired time.

[0001] This application is based upon provisional patent application No. 60/474,388 filed on Jun. 2, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a goalie practice apparatus and more specifically an image changing backdrop and target formed of flexible canvas or PVC material that is geared and suited for use in practicing hockey shots, or any other related sports that shoots on a net.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003] Practice targets of the past have always been a piece of material draped across the front opening of a net. These practice shooting apparatuses are stationary and offer only one image to shoot on with net openings in desired locations to challenge the shooter. Our invention revolutionizes any attempted invention of the past, by offering an invention that offers a variety of images that randomly change and challenge the shooter in a way not presented to date. The random images rotate mechanically by using two motors and some gears system. It can be powered by using batteries or by an AC adaptor. This target apparatuses will have it images rotated randomly or using a remote control. This apparatuses will be held on the two side posts of the net.

REFERENCED PATENTS

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,243, Grispi, Aug. 24, 1993

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,334, MacNamara, Nov. 30, 1999

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,967, Gilbert, Apr. 5, 1994

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,538, Sztykiel, Jun. 30, 1998

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

[0008] Practice hockey targets have been utilized in various forms. Prior art demonstrates that no invention of the past has taken the target apparatus to the next level. Grispi of U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,243, and McNamara of U.S. Pat. No. 5,999,334, and Sztykiel of U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,538 offer a fixed image for shooter to shoot on and nothing more. As a result of said limitations of past inventions, makes our invention superior to all inventions of the past. 

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the united states is as follows: 1 The motorized image rotating target apparatus for all sports of claim 1 comprises of five sheets of flexible PVC or Canvas material, which illustrates different goalie stances. Each goalie stance will challenge a shooter to score in different corners of the net, were goalie stance allows for openings. 2 The motorized image rotating target apparatus for all sports of claim 2 will consist of two control units that work in unison to wind and unwind the goalie save positions that are printed on the canvas or vinyl material. These control units will be designed to clamp onto a standard hockey goal post with a twist and lock type clamp mechanism. 3 The motorized image rotating target apparatus for all sports of claim 3 will have two control units consisting of two motors, a rechargeable battery; electronic circuitry that controls the timing each scene that is displayed before the next save position rolls into place. And a remote control device that would allow the user to change the images at a certain distance. Goalie images will be printed on a durable vinyl material or canvas and will be controlled by a motor box, which will present different random images to the shooter. 4 The motorized image rotating target apparatus for all sports of claim 4 will have each scene will measure 6 feet wide×4 ft high, with 3-5 different scenes per roll. The electronics of said invention will control the timing between each scene, goal scoring detection (option) will roll the scenes from one direction, and when the last scene of the roll has passed through, the unit will automatically reverse itself and reverse the scene back again. Holes are positioned randomly in each scene for which to test and develop ones shooting. The images will be 4 ft and 30 ft in length. Each individual image is 4 ft high by 6 feet in length, which correspond to the actual dimensions of a regulation hockey net. The 30 feet of printed images will be rolled on a cylinder that attaches to left goal post of a regulation size net (4′×6′). A second cylinder will be attached to the right goal post and the images will move back and forth between both cylinders controlled by a motor box. 5 The motorized image rotating target apparatus for all sports of claim 5 can be used for game play or as a practice device for hockey players of ages and skill in order to improve their shooting and scoring ability. Each image will present the shooter with new challenges since the target positions vary from image to image. 6 The motorized image rotating target apparatus for all sports of claim 6 will be used for ice or street hockey. It as well can be used for soccer, field hockey and lacrosse, simply by changing the printed image to reflect the goaltender of any of the above mentioned sports. 